ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Home Affairs
CONDITION OF JAILS
'Prisons'/'persons detained therein' is a “State List” subject as per Entry 4 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. Administration and management of prisons and inmates is the responsibility of respective State Governments. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs  has been issuing various advisories and guidelines to the States and Union Territories  on varied aspects of prison administration from time to time. A Model Prison Manual 2016, which strives to serve as a benchmark that all States should emulate and seek guidance from has also been forwarded to all States and UTs for adoption in their jurisdictions. The Manual, inter-alia, provides detailed guidance on all aspects of prison and correctional administration. Prison Reforms is a continuous process. No specific proposal for undertaking any study about the condition of jails of the country is under consideration.
National Crime Records Bureau  compiles prison statistics reported to it by the States and UTs and publishes the same in its annual publication “Prison Statistics India”. The latest published report is of the year 2020. Specific data about Board of Visitors is not maintained centrally.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN NAVY'S ANNUAL REFIT CONFERENCE AND ANNUAL INFRASTRUCTURE & INDIGENISATION CONFERENCE FOR THE YEAR 2022
Indian Navy's Annual Refit Conference and Annual Infrastructure & Indigenisation Conference for the year 2022 was inaugurated by Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, AVSM, NM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command at Headquarters, Southern Naval Command, Kochi on 31 March 2022. The conference, chaired by Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Materiel, was attended by representatives of Naval Headquarters in addition to representatives from all Commands, Dockyards/ Repair Yards and Material Organisations. In consonance with the Government initiative of Atmanirbhar Bharat, this year’s conferences had a session dedicated to indigenisation. The Chief of Materiel in his address to the forum emphasised the need to bolster public private relationship in the defence sector. Deliberations on refit processes, discussions on transforming maintenance policies to keep ships ready for any challenges and review of infrastructure augmentation for meeting growing requirements of the Navy, were the main agenda of the conference.
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VM/AP/PS
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Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh discusses implementation of new National Education Policy  in Northeast with the representatives of IIM Shillong
The A P J Abdul Kalam Study Centre at IIM Shillong, which is supported by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region , will help implementing new National Education Policy , particularly in the context of Northeast and may also undertake a Study to understand how best this can be done.
This was disclosed here today by Union Minister of State  Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, after an exhaustive meeting with the management of IIM Shillong represented by its Chairman Shishir Bajoria, Member Board of Governors Atul Chandrakant Kulkari and others.
Hailing the National Education Policy, brought by the Union Ministry of Education with the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the biggest path-breaking reform in India since independence, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the new policy is not only progressive and visionary but is also in keeping with the emerging needs and requirements of 21st century India. He said, it also gives the young scholars and students enough room to decide their options depending upon their aptitude and their personal circumstances from time to time.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the entire North Eastern region is faced with the challenge of mass exodus of students to different parts of the country in pursuit of higher education in streams of their preference which may not be adequately available in the North Eastern States. He said, it is therefore, for the educationists in the North Eastern region to work out a comprehensive and effective plan to make use of the best practices incorporated in the National Education Policy for the benefit of the students in Northeast by overcoming the peculiar constraints of the region.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the A P J Abdul Kalam Centre at IIM Shillong may also undertake a study to understand how the different streams and subjects available in the Central institutions be introduced in the Northeast so that the students of the region can also take the benefit of choosing subjects of their choice and also of going back to the subjects of their earlier preference, as envisaged in the new National Education Policy.
The A P J Abdul Kalam Study Centre, said Dr Jitendra Singh, can also suggest ways and means to involve the State run Colleges and institutions in carrying out the academic programmes initiated by the Centre. It can also play the role of Resource Centre as well as coordinator between the Centre and State governments on the one hand and among the various education institutions of the States on the other hand, in order to ensure that the benefits of the new National Education Policy percolate down to the last student.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Farmer’s own fabricator customizing their agriculture tools and transport vehicle hoods
Aniket Kanade, from Kendure village, a rain shadow area in Shirur block of Pune district with rainfed low earning farming activities, is now a pioneer fabricator of hand-tools & bullock operated agricultural tools for rural farmers in his village. He has become a changemaker of his community—thanks to his training in basic rural technology and his own determination.
Aniket received his training in Diploma in Basic Rural Technology  designed for rural youth from Vigyan Ashram . The DBRT training is being implemented by VA with support from the Department of Science & Technology , SEED division. After the training, Aniket started a rural enterprise called ‘Kanade bodybuilder & fabrication work’ in his native village, where he fabricates ploughs, harrows, sowing drills and so on.
Initially, the farmers did not have confidence in his products. With time, the farmers began relying on the tools developed by his enterprise and ordered them as per their requirements, sowing the seeds of transformation by empowering communities through S&T.
Aniket fabricates many bullock & tractors operated agricultural equipment’s along with pick-up van hoods. His tools are known for better quality in lower price. As he has got trained through a ‘multi-skill’ approach, he can better understand farmers  problems and provide excellent service.
Aniket, better known as ‘farmers own fabricator’ in his area, is providing service to rural community in vicinity of 250 Km in Pune and Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra state. He is also providing full-time livelihood source to 3-4 skilled labours in his village with Rs.35 to 40 Lakh annual tern-over.
He wishes to adopt CNC equipment’s, CAD designing, powder coating, and other advanced technologies to reach out to his fellow villagers and provide them with improved services at home.
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SNC/RR
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Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Brunei Darussalam on Cooperation in the operation of Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand station for satellite and launch vehicles, and for cooperation in the field of Space Research, Science and Applications
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Brunei Darussalam on Cooperation in the operation of Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand station for satellite and launch vehicles, and for cooperation in the field of Space Research, Science and Applications. The MoU was signed in New Delhi on 19th July 2018.
Benefits:
The MoU enables India to continue to operate, maintain and augment its ground station meant for supporting India’s launch vehicle and satellite missions. This will also help India to share its experience and expertise in space activities through training of officials and students from Brunei Darussalam on space technology applications.
Cooperation with Brunei Darussalam through this MoU would lead to operation, maintenance and augmentation of Indian Ground Station to support India’s launch vehicle and satellite missions. Thus all sections and regions of the country will get benefited.
The MoU will provide impetus to explore newer research activities in ground station operations and training on space technology applications.
Ministry of Communications
Department of Telecommunications Successfully Completes Special Campaign 2.0
100% pending Public Grievances & Appeals, Inter-Ministerial references and State Government references were achieved
Special Campaign 2.0 is being organized in the Department of Telecom, its attached & subordinate offices, field offices and PSUs, across the country from 02.10.2022 to 31.10.2022. This campaign was preceded by a preparatory phase from 14.09.2022 to 30.09.2022.
The Campaign has focused on liquidation of pendency in respect of MP’s references, references from State Government, Inter-ministerial references , Parliamentary Assurances, PMO References, Public Grievances & PG Appeals. In addition, the Campaign has ensured a number of special drives for cleanliness in and around the Office premises by way of weeding out of files and also scrapping of obsolete office equipment.
During the Campaign, about 100% pending Public Grievances & Appeals, Inter-ministerial references and State Government references were achieved. As regards MP References the disposal percentage is 36%.
During the Campaign 350 sites across the country were identified for cleanliness drive and the said target has been exceeded due to enthusiastic participation of officers / officials.
During the campaign, against an identified target of reviewing 1,15,000 physical files, 97000 physical files were reviewed and 12000 files were weeded out. More than 20,000 sq feet of space was cleared due to better record management.
Further, Secretary  inspected and participated in Field Office cleaning and tree planting at Haridwar on 22.10.2022.
Some photographs of the Special Campaign 2.0 are given below –
Prime Minister's Office
PM meets Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Fadli. Prime Minister said that Environment, Water and Agriculture are the sectors in which there is a lot of potential for cooperation. He added that we are committed to work together to make our environment better and effectively harness water resources.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey chairs 6th meeting of Mission Steering Group of NHM
“The Government is rapidly moving forward in providing Comprehensive Primary Health Care through Health and Wellness Centres . I am happy to inform that about 8000 HWCs have become operational in 35 states / UTs.” This was stated by Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare as he chaired the 6th meeting of the Mission Steering Group of the National Health Mission , here today. Dr. V K Paul, Member , NITI Aayog, Smt Preeti Sudan, Secretary  and Shri Manoj Jhalani, AS & MD , were also present at the meeting.
Speaking at the meeting, Shri Choubey said that NHM is vital to supporting the states in improving their health systems. He further stated that Hon’ble Prime Minister’s announcement of the heightened focus on the aspirational districts also provides us with significant leverage point to address long persisting inequities and development lag in these districts. This will be strengthened through NHM.
It was highlighted that under NHM-Free Drug Service initiative, funds are being provided to states/UTs for provision of free drugs in public health facilities and setting up of IT-backed systems for drug procurement and quality assurance. Currently all 36 states have notified policy to provide essential drugs free of cost in public health facilities. Under NHM Free Diagnostics Service Initiative, substantial funding is provided to States within their resource envelope to provide free essential diagnostic services at public health facilities. The program has been rolled out in States/UTs which are providing free diagnostic Services either in-house or in PPP mode.
The MSG of the NHM discussed various agenda points including enhancement of reach, outlay and facilities within components of the NHM, Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis, Immunization, Comprehensive Primary Health Care, Non-Communicable Diseases  Newer Intervention under Revised National TB Control Programme with respect to Patient’s Support and Private Sector Involvement, capacity building of health workers, etc. Many suggestions were also made by the non-official members of the MSG.
The Minister stated that the meeting offered a valuable and useful platform for candid discussion on several issues, and a wider perspective from a wide section of experts which will enable to enhance quality and effectiveness of the NHM. He further added that the suggestions would be taken into consideration to guide the roadmap on interventions to be taken up.
Representatives from Ministries of AYUSH, Tribal Affairs, WCD, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Urban development, Department of Higher Education, Social Justice and Empowerment were also present at the meeting, along with members from the civil society and other experts in the field of healthcare.
Ministry of Defence
Gallantry Awards to Army on Republic Day 2019
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind has approved the award of one Ashok Chakra, two Kirti Chakras and nine Shaurya Chakras to the Indian Army personnel on the occasion of Republic Day 2019 which has been included in the list of citations.
Following documents are attached to the Press Release :-
Vice President's Secretariat
Check urgently the virus of misinformation on COVID-19: Vice President
Superstitions and hearsay cannot be allowed to weaken our assault on Novel Coronavirus: Vice President
Need for understanding among all religious groups that social distancing norms cannot be taken lightly: Vice President
Vice President calls for steering clear of generalisations about communities
Safety of the front-line warriors, especially medical professionals, is absolutely essential: Vice President
Cautioning that superstitions and hearsay cannot be allowed to weaken our battle against COVID-19, the Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu has described the spread of misinformation, especially on social media, as a “virus” that needs to be checked.
Observing that free flow of authentic information to quell rumours and misinformation is critical, Shri Naidu in a Facebook post said the war on virus cannot be won if we have inadequate or faulty understanding of the magnitude of the problem.
Referring to irresponsible flouting of the precautionary social distancing guidelines in some states and exemplified by the recent congregation in New Delhi, the Vice President underscored the need for greater dissemination of guidelines and stricter implementation.
He said there has to be a greater awareness of the urgency and the scientific evidence about the spread of the virus necessitating a total societal response cutting across caste, creed, class, language, regions and religions.
At the same time, Shri Naidu, said that there has to be a common understanding among all religious groups that social distancing norms cannot be taken lightly and there should not be large congregations till the current challenge is overcome. “We hope there will be no more such unfortunate, blatant violations of the prescribed guidelines”, he observed.
The Vice President also called for steering clear of untenable generalisations about communities and not viewing events from the prism of prejudices and biases.
Referring to various measures being taken by all the state governments, the civil society and the private sector to combat the virus, he said the humanitarian work was being ramped up and the hardship of the poor and migrant labour was being mitigated. The states were alive to the farmers’ concerns as far as harvest season is concerned and had planned a series of steps to ensure a smooth harvest operation and procurement of the grains, he added.
Stating that this is no time to relax and a tough struggle lies ahead, Shri Naidu said, “We have to be ever vigilant and fight this menace together. Unity of thought and action and solidarity with all the brave warriors is the need of the hour”.
Asserting that respect and concern for safety of the front-line warriors, especially the medical professionals, is absolutely essential for achieving our objective, he said “ a kind deed, a compassionate gesture, a determined, spirited action to alleviate human suffering can be a major step to move us forward to reach the end of a dark tunnel we are currently transiting.
Ministry of Electronics & IT
Aadhaar based e-KYC transactions jumped 22% in Nov; Aadhaar authentication transactions grew 11%
28.75 Cr e-KYC transactions executed using Aadhaar in Nov
Aadhaar usage by residents is witnessing continued progress across the country. In November alone, 28.75 crore e-KYC transactions were executed using Aadhaar, a 22% growth over the previous month.
By the end of November 2022, the cumulative number of e-KYC transactions has gone up-to 1350.24 crore. Aadhaar e-KYC service is increasingly playing a crucial role for banking and non-banking financial services by providing transparent and improved customer experience, and aiding ease of doing business.
An e-KYC transaction is executed, only after the explicit consent of the Aadhaar holder, and eliminates physical paperwork, and in-person verification requirement for KYC.
Similarly in November, 195.39 crore Aadhaar authentication transactions were carried out, over 11% more than October. A majority of these monthly transactions were carried out by using fingerprint biometric authentication, followed by demographic and OTP authentication.
So far, cumulatively 8621.19 crore Aadhaar authentication transactions have been executed by the end of November 2022, indicative of how Aadhaar is increasingly playing a role in good governance and aiding welfare delivery to residents.
Whether it is e-KYC for identity verification, AEPS for last mile banking, Aadhaar enabled DBT for direct fund transfer or authentication, Aadhaar, the digital infrastructure of good governance, has been playing a vital role in supporting the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Digital India, and enabling ease of living for residents.
The Aadhaar Enabled Payment System  has been an enabler of financial inclusion for those at the bottom of the income pyramid. Cumulatively, 1591.92 crore of last mile banking transactions have been made possible via the use of AEPS and the network of micro ATMs by the end of November 2022.
More than 1100 government schemes, programs and in the country run by both centre and states have been notified to use Aadhaar. The digital ID is helping various ministries and departments in the centre and at states in improving efficiency, transparency and delivery of welfare services to the targeted beneficiaries.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Uzbekistan on Mutual Cooperation in Combating Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics, Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the MoU between India and Uzbekistan on Mutual Cooperation in Combating Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics, Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors.
Benefits:
The MoU will help in mutual cooperation in regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and in combating drug trafficking. It is an effective framework to deal with all issues requiring mutual assistance and cooperation in the areas identified. The MoU will facilitate effective institutional interaction between both the Governments. The MoU, once in force, would help in curbing transnational narcotics trafficking.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Shri Prakash Javadekar meets representatives of OTT platforms
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Prakash Javadekar today held an interaction with representatives of various OTT platforms including from Alt Balaji, Hotstar, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Jio, Zee5, Viacom18, Shemaroo, MxPlayer, etc.
Addressing the representatives of the industry the Minister mentioned that the Government has done several rounds of consultation with the OTT players in the past and stressed the need for self-regulation.
Shri Javadekar stated that he had received representations from cinema and TV industries that while there were regulations for them, none existed for OTT industry. Thus, it was decided that Government would come out with progressive institutional mechanism for OTT players and develop a level playing field with the idea of self-regulation. The Minister appreciated that many OTT platforms had welcomed the rules.
Informing the industry representatives about the provisions of the rules, the Minister said it merely requires them to disclose information and that there is no requirement of registration of any kind with the Ministry. The Minister added that a form for this will be ready soon. Furthermore, the rules focus on self classification of content instead of any form of censorship. Further, OTT platforms are expected to develop an effective grievance redressal mechanism.
Dispelling rumours, the Minister clarified that in the self-regulating body, no member will be appointed by the Government.
Speaking on the power of the Government, under the rules, the Hon’ble Minister informed that the Government will create Inter Departmental Committee to look at complaints which remain unresolved at the self-regulatory level.
The industry representatives welcomed the rules and thanked the Minister for addressing most of their concerns. Finally the Minster added that the Ministry is open to any clarification or queries from the industry.